Bibliography - Children and Worship | Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

A bibliography of resources about children and worship

Incorporating Children in Worship: Mark of the Kingdom, Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom and David Bjorlin
From the description: Incorporating children in worship is a powerful and overlooked mark of God's kingdom. This book argues that children's full participation in worship signifies not only a vibrant, faithful communion but also offers a critical window into the Spirit's work of linking the church to Christ. Children have a vocation in worship.

Sustainable Childrens Ministry.jpg Sustainable Children's Ministry: From Last-minute Scrambling to Long-term Solutions, Mark DeVries and Annette Safstrom
From the description: In this practical resource, you’ll learn how to recruit volunteers, partner with parents, navigate politics, and care for your own soul instead of frantically scrambling to do it all yourself. Sustainable Children’s Ministry will help you build a ministry foundation.

Forbid Them Not: Involving Children in Sunday School, Carolyn C. Brown
This series offers specific suggestions for prayers, litanies, sermon illustrations, and ways to present Scripture that will include children without offending adults. Although it is based on the texts of the Revised Common Lectionary, those who do not follow that lectionary can use the index to locate suggestions related to any Scripture passage. A great resource that truly tries to integrate children in the worship service without being childish or having specific "child" time.

You Can Preach to the Kids Too! : Designing Sermons for Adults and Children, Carolyn C. Brown
A must read for pastors! In this book Brown argues for making the "main sermon" more child friendly thus negating the need for children's sermons. Though she offers some valid critique of children's sermons she also provides helpful advice on how to do them well.

Making Worship Real: A Resource for Youth and Their Leaders, Aimee Buchanan, Bill Buchanan, and Jodi B. Martin
This book takes each part of the worship service, gives a short explanation and then offers several game/activity options to "teach" the topic.

Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship, Robbie Castleman

Is It a Lost Cause? Having the Heart of God for the Church's Children, Marva J. Dawn

Children at Worship: Congregations in Bloom, Caroline S. Fairless
Not a typical church situation. This book might stretch you a bit; make one think.

Get Ready! Get Set! Worship!: A Resource for Including Children in Worship: For Pastors, Educators, Parents, Sessions, and Committees, Sue Lou and Sylvia Washer
A fabulous resource for helping teach children about worship and including them in worship.

Including Children in Worship: A Planning Guide for Congregations, Elizabeth J. Sandell
The first half of the book which develops the philosophy, reasons for, and how to's of children's worship is great! It includes some good practical suggestions for ways to include children in the worship event.

Young Children and Worship, Sonja Stewart and Jerome W. Berryman
The original resource book for the Children and Worship program. It prepares leaders to help children ages 4 to 7 experience and learn about God in a worship setting developed especially for them. Leaders learn how to tell Bible stories in an environment of reverence and reflection, encourage children to respond creatively, and prepare children to worship with the entire congregation.

A Child Shall Lead: Children in Worship, John D. Witvliet, editor
A sourcebook for Christian educators, musicians, and clergy. A great mix of both teaching and practical ideas

Bridging Divided Worlds: Generational Cultures in Congregations, Jackson Carroll and Wade Clark Roof
helpful book-particularly the epilogue which gives the "blessing and bane" of various types of generational churches (traditionally rooted, gen-focused, or blended) in the end they argue for an intergenerational church as being the best testimony of our beliefs though they admit that such a church does not come easily

Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069, Neil Howe

One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church, Gary McIntosh
excellent overview of the various generations in the church

The Multigenerational Congregation: Meeting the Leadership Challenge, Gilbert Rendle
helps leaders understand the generations they are leading and the dynamics caused by the presence of multiple generations in the church